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Kostjasyn announces unfortunate NRL retirement

Premiership-winning utility Rory Kostjasyn has confirmed his retirement from rugby league following a significant throat injury.

The 30-year-old signed with the Newcastle Knights at the end of 2016 but a pre-season incident has brought an end to his career.

Kostjasyn underwent numerous operations but doctors were unable to clear him for a return, with his croaky voice a lasting reminder of the incident.

"Retirement was a combination of medical advice and how my body was unable to adapt to a reduced airway," he said in a statement.

"It has by far been the most challenging six to seven months I've faced, not only in my career but in everyday life."

Kostjasyn will transition into an official role as one of the Knights' under-16s and under-18s development coaches.

Kostjasyn celebrates the 2015 premiership win. Pic: Getty
Kostjasyn celebrates the 2015 premiership win. Pic: Getty

He began his NRL career at the Melbourne Storm, playing 32 games in total and 14 in their premiership-winning 2012 season.

He missed out on the Storm's grand final win over the Bulldogs that year but made up for it after moving to the North Queensland Cowboys.

The utility came off the bench in the Cowboys' 2015 premiership win over the Broncos.

Kostjasyn knocked back an offer from 2016 premiers Cronulla to sign with Newcastle for the 2017 season.